Laboratory findings in chronic prostatitis--with special reference to immunological and microbiological aspects

Twenty-nine consecutive patients hospitalized for chronic prostatitis were examined. The HLA and radiographic findings are presented in detail elsewhere. Serum immunoglobulin levels were normal. The concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM in prostatic fluid were significantly lower than in serum, both absolutely and as percentages of total protein concentration. Distinct bands were seen in the gamma region of agarose gel electrophoresis from prostatic fluids both in patients and in controls, and other tests also indicated that they did not reflect oligoclonal Ig responses. Growth of Chlamydia or Mycoplasma species was not detected in any of the biopsy specimens. We conclude that, with the test panel used, we have not been able to confirm that immunological factors or the presence of Chlamydia or Mycoplasma species is important in chronic prostatitis.